QB1: Angeli

[Capt. Tuttle]

From the reports I been listening to and reading it seems like Rickie is the better passer and has the stronger arm. I have seen Steve throw some greats balls in clips as well. I think Rickie gives us the way higher ceiling than Steve . Better runner stronger arm plus more eligibility for the long run. So that’s my 2 cents.

What’s the evidence that he is a better runner.

 

[Strathless]

I think no matter what we’re likely to see both quarterbacks play at least two of the first three games . Colgate, plus if the starter has problems vs Tennessee, or we blowout vs Yukon.

IMO, about your last sentence, I would respectfully disagree. You should expect the best but prepare for the worst. If we make a quarterback change because it’s not going well, it does not mean that we didnt game plan to win. It simply means things are not going well and you make a change if you think it’s going to help the team.

Dungey was one of the great quarterbacks in Syracuse history. He was not getting it done against North Carolina and DeVito came in and won the game. Dungey was proven commodity, but having a terrible game. It was a good move by Dino.

Then Dungey was given a chance to start again vs a ranked NCST team and balled out. He knew starting was not guaranteed but earned every day.

Conversely, versus Notre Dame, DeVito was so bad that if we had any anyone with a pulse, we should’ve put them in. If either starter has a performance like Devito had versus Notre Dame (which could happen) they should not be in for more than one series into the second quarter. Devito was an NFL guy, but a deer in headlights vs a superior defense. We don’t know how either will respond, Especially if the O line is porous.

In my opinion, as other posters have said, the person who wins the job may not necessarily win it in camp, but the person who proves in a REAL GAME that they can read the defense, get the ball out early and does not turn it over will be the eventual starter.

Good points here. To clarify my thoughts, I also think it’s very possible that SU’s offense may not click immediately against Tennessee, especially with the turnover up front. I’m just hoping that Fran and Nixon give the QB1 some run for an extended period before going to the cupboard for relief.

But I agree completely that no one will win this job with anything approaching permanency until they show they can get it done on gameday.

 

[RF2044]

Good points here. To clarify my thoughts, I also think it’s very possible that SU’s offense may not click immediately against Tennessee, especially with the turnover up front. I’m just hoping that Fran and Nixon give the QB1 some run for an extended period before going to the cupboard for relief.

But I agree completely that no one will win this job with anything approaching permanency until they show they can get it done on gameday.

That's definitely logical, and a reasonable expectation.

But on the other hand, if some news trickling out of camp is accurate, it sounds like the transfer OL have exceeded expectations, and the OL might end up being better than last year's. And if Willis is legit, then whoever plays QB will have a decent running game defenses will need to account for, and a strong WR corps to throw the ball to.

So maybe they will come out better than expected, even against a tough tennessee squad.

 

[CbusCuse]

From the reports I been listening to and reading it seems like Rickie is the better passer and has the stronger arm. I have seen Steve throw some greats balls in clips as well. I think Rickie gives us the way higher ceiling than Steve . Better runner stronger arm plus more eligibility for the long run. So that’s my 2 cents.

You say Rickie seems like the better passer but I want to know what that all entails and who has stated that. I think its been implied Ricky has the stronger arm but i'm not sure Its been implied that Rickie is the better passer. A lot more goes into that which we don't know. Such as accuracy, consistency, making all the throws like the routine ones, having good anticipation etc. Rickie is more physically gifted. But obviously, as we all know, that doesn't make him the better QB. We'll see.

With the comments from Fran and Nunzio about the importance of leadership and managing the offense and the huddle, i have a feeling Angeli wins out. In watching his interviews, he seems super smart, composed and appears to be a great leader. Says all the right things and really just seems to have that personality and confidence of a good QB. Not that Rickie is not a good leader, it just seems like Angeli seems more exceptional in that regard to me and I'd guess he has a slight leg up.

But really he has not been identified as pulling ahead of Rickie yet, so a lot rides on the next week and largely on the scrimmage. I mean who knows what can happen in a small sample sized scrimmage. Hopefully someone just kills it in the scrimmage and makes the decision easier for all involved.

 

[bnoro]

You say Rickie seems like the better passer but I want to know what that all entails and who has stated that. I think its been implied Ricky has the stronger arm but i'm not sure Its been implied that Rickie is the better passer. A lot more goes into that which we don't know. Such as accuracy, consistency, making all the throws like the routine ones, having good anticipation etc. Rickie is more physically gifted. But obviously, as we all know, that doesn't make him the better QB. We'll see.

With the comments from Fran and Nunzio about the importance of leadership and managing the offense and the huddle, i have a feeling Angeli wins out. In watching his interviews, he seems super smart, composed and appears to be a great leader. Says all the right things and really just seems to have that personality and confidence of a good QB. Not that Rickie is not a good leader, it just seems like Angeli seems more exceptional in that regard to me and I'd guess he has a slight leg up.

But really he has not been identified as pulling ahead of Rickie yet, so a lot rides on the next week and largely on the scrimmage. I mean who knows what can happen in a small sample sized scrimmage. Hopefully someone just kills it in the scrimmage and makes the decision easier for all involved.

How does it appear Angeli is super smart and appears to be more exceptional when it comes to composure and being a great leader? Genuinely curious what this is based on.

Both guys seem pretty even through interviews and practice clips this spring.

 

[upperdeck]

Its kinda like Montana vs Young back in the day if you just go by the talk here. Young had this crazy upside but Montana was just so solid.

Without seeing more than random clips we are all just guessing. Maybe Angeli is a decent runner but ND never really got him into space to show it.

It may well come down less of who is the better QB throwing/running but who knows the offense better.

I already feel like either one is a big step up from where we were last year with the #2 if we needed to really win a game or more using them. And I think we may find the same leap in where are #3-4 guys are in the room as well.

 

[CbusCuse]

How does it appear Angeli is super smart and appears to be more exceptional when it comes to composure and being a great leader? Genuinely curious what this is based on.

Both guys seem pretty even through interviews and practice clips this spring.

bnoro, you don't have to always be fishing for some biased reason on posters parts.

Other than the staff saying similar things, my reasoning is just watch his interviews. Other than the few highlights we get, that is really all I have to go by as do most of us on this forum. He gives very good responses and really seems to know what he is talking about. Even after he was here just a couple weeks he knew every player and coaches name and is very quick with every response. Handling himself very well in interviews can give us a good indication of his skillset as a leader. I think these things will translate well to being a good QB and leading the team. in my opinion, he interviews and communicates a bit better than Rickie. Do you disagree? Part of that is probably being a year older and having a tad bit more experience.

As we don't have the ability to compare the on field practice apples to apples I could see this going either way. But from the things we do see and from some of the responses I'm giving my best guess on what I think will happen. That's all.

If Rickie ends up being the decision i'm absolutely fine with that. Either way, I think we'll have a solid choice to work with and should be able to continue to improve their skills. Both have multiple years of eligibility which is great.

 

[Bulldog04]

My money is on Tyler Cooney.

The way some of his shots hit the backboard, we know arm strength isn’t an issue

 

[bnoro]

bnoro, you don't have to always be fishing for some biased reason on posters parts.

Other than the staff saying similar things, my reasoning is just watch his interviews. Other than the few highlights we get, that is really all I have to go by as do most of us on this forum. He gives very good responses and really seems to know what he is talking about. Even after he was here just a couple weeks he knew every player and coaches name and is very quick with every response. Handling himself very well in interviews can give us a good indication of his skillset as a leader. I think these things will translate well to being a good QB and leading the team. in my opinion, he interviews and communicates a bit better than Rickie. Do you disagree? Part of that is probably being a year older and having a tad bit more experience.

As we don't have the ability to compare the on field practice apples to apples I could see this going either way. But from the things we do see and from some of the responses I'm giving my best guess on what I think will happen. That's all.

If Rickie ends up being the decision i'm absolutely fine with that. Either way, I think we'll have a solid choice to work with and should be able to continue to improve their skills. Both have multiple years of eligibility which is great.

All I see is one guy that has had more media training than the other guy.

In terms of being a leader or being smarter, I don't think their interviews have given us much indication of that.

 

[phil77]

All I see is one guy that has had more media training than the other guy.

In terms of being a leader or being smarter, I don't think their interviews have given us much indication of that.

I won't comment on who is smarter because, without being around them every day, I don't know, and nobody should be commenting on that unless they have direct access to both individuals and are watching all the practices. But being in a leadership position myself, communication is a big part of leadership, and being a "better" communicator could be a strong indicator that someone is better in the leadership role. Of course, that isn't an end-all all be all but it is a big factor. On the flip side, if someone is a better communicator with the media, that doesn't mean they are instantly a better communicator with their teammates and within the huddle.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

The way some of his shots hit the backboard, we know arm strength isn’t an issue

In hindsight, Taylor had been compared to Buddy, but it could have really been impactful if he ended up more like Cooney.

 

[DomeHolmes]

That's definitely logical, and a reasonable expectation.

But on the other hand, if some news trickling out of camp is accurate, it sounds like the transfer OL have exceeded expectations, and the OL might end up being better than last year's. And if Willis is legit, then whoever plays QB will have a decent running game defenses will need to account for, and a strong WR corps to throw the ball to.

So maybe they will come out better than expected, even against a tough tennessee squad.

I think you’re right, the offensive line will be better than last year.

Two key observations from last year. The first is we were 125th in rushing. That is bad. And our passing game prowess should have lead to more success vs a light box. The second is that McCord made great reads and got the ball out early, masking a lot.

The offensive line in my opinion was not good. Especially at run blocking. Our guards constantly missed blocks and assignments, and our center played hurt. We also had limited depth.

 

[RF2044]

I think you’re right, the offensive line will be better than last year.

Two key observations from last year. The first is we were 125th in rushing. That is bad. And our passing game prowess should have lead to more success vs a light box. The second is that McCord made great reads and got the ball out early, masking a lot.

The offensive line in my opinion was not good. Especially at run blocking. Our guards constantly missed blocks and assignments, and our center played hurt. We also had limited depth.

Agreed. I think [relative to our program history] the OL was "better" than usual, but still only to the level of being serviceable. Agree 100% that McCord's quick reads / throws masked a lot, and that LeQuint Allen's tough running helped him get to that 1000 yard mark moreso than you would expect from a line that didn't do a great job opening holes.

I also think we had personnel talent limitations. I'm looking forward to seeing what an upgraded group can do.

 

[CusefanATL]

Agreed. I think [relative to our program history] the OL was "better" than usual, but still only to the level of being serviceable. Agree 100% that McCord's quick reads / throws masked a lot, and that LeQuint Allen's tough running helped him get to that 1000 yard mark moreso than you would expect from a line that didn't do a great job opening holes.

I also think we had personnel talent limitations. I'm looking forward to seeing what an upgraded group can do.

as great as Mccord and Allen were, they arent Joe Montana and Adrian Peterson. They are really good college players who were very late round darft picks.

If we cant replace them while improving other areas - we are in a world of trouble.

 

[Apdaly]

 

[bnoro]

I won't comment on who is smarter because, without being around them every day, I don't know, and nobody should be commenting on that unless they have direct access to both individuals and are watching all the practices. But being in a leadership position myself, communication is a big part of leadership, and being a "better" communicator could be a strong indicator that someone is better in the leadership role. Of course, that isn't an end-all all be all but it is a big factor. On the flip side, if someone is a better communicator with the media, that doesn't mean they are instantly a better communicator with their teammates and within the huddle.

Exactly.

 

[kcsu]

You say Rickie seems like the better passer but I want to know what that all entails and who has stated that. I think its been implied Ricky has the stronger arm but i'm not sure Its been implied that Rickie is the better passer. A lot more goes into that which we don't know. Such as accuracy, consistency, making all the throws like the routine ones, having good anticipation etc. Rickie is more physically gifted. But obviously, as we all know, that doesn't make him the better QB. We'll see.

With the comments from Fran and Nunzio about the importance of leadership and managing the offense and the huddle, i have a feeling Angeli wins out. In watching his interviews, he seems super smart, composed and appears to be a great leader. Says all the right things and really just seems to have that personality and confidence of a good QB. Not that Rickie is not a good leader, it just seems like Angeli seems more exceptional in that regard to me and I'd guess he has a slight leg up.

But really he has not been identified as pulling ahead of Rickie yet, so a lot rides on the next week and largely on the scrimmage. I mean who knows what can happen in a small sample sized scrimmage. Hopefully someone just kills it in the scrimmage and makes the decision easier for all involved.

He also said that stats are great but at the end of the day its all about moving the O. I believe we have two different types of QBs. Personally i wouldnt mind seeing each play the first few games if the competition remains to hard to call.

 

[CbusCuse]

Agreed. I think [relative to our program history] the OL was "better" than usual, but still only to the level of being serviceable. Agree 100% that McCord's quick reads / throws masked a lot, and that LeQuint Allen's tough running helped him get to that 1000 yard mark moreso than you would expect from a line that didn't do a great job opening holes.

I also think we had personnel talent limitations. I'm looking forward to seeing what an upgraded group can do.

Agreed. Also Lequint's abilities as both a pass protector and being such a weapon receiving out of the back field helped the OL a good deal as well.

 

[baggerbob]

I wonder what is a bigger emphasis for the coaches. Check downs, the simple throws, best deep thrower, etc.

I know all facets matter but it's interesting to see in a reportedly tight race which attribute is most desired by the staff.

The most important factor in the offense is reading the defense and making the correct offensive call.

 

[RedtheGOB]

3 Things:

1. The starter is going to be who the rest of the team respects as a leader. Athleticism, spirals, reads, deep balls, check downs, playbook, Spring camp, none of that stuff is going to matter because they're both close enough in all those categories. The person that is most respected and is the better leader wins the job hands down.

2. Keep a close watch on any commentary on who is better at running the end of practice and game scenarios. 4 min, 2 min, and 1 min drills are huge for Fran and Nixon. Without them we're prob barely bowl eligible last year. The better QB running those scenarios is going to go a long way.

3. I already bought an Angeli jersey. It was only 40$ at the NIL store. Was on Clearance so there's that as well.

 

[CbusCuse]

I won't comment on who is smarter because, without being around them every day, I don't know, and nobody should be commenting on that unless they have direct access to both individuals and are watching all the practices. But being in a leadership position myself, communication is a big part of leadership, and being a "better" communicator could be a strong indicator that someone is better in the leadership role. Of course, that isn't an end-all all be all but it is a big factor. On the flip side, if someone is a better communicator with the media, that doesn't mean they are instantly a better communicator with their teammates and within the huddle.

I don't disagree with any of this.

 

[CusefanATL]

i just spot clipped this a bit. but it def seems this video was filmed long before today right?

 

[Strathless]

I think you’re right, the offensive line will be better than last year.

Two key observations from last year. The first is we were 125th in rushing. That is bad. And our passing game prowess should have lead to more success vs a light box. The second is that McCord made great reads and got the ball out early, masking a lot.

The offensive line in my opinion was not good. Especially at run blocking. Our guards constantly missed blocks and assignments, and our center played hurt. We also had limited depth.

Another stat that speaks to the last season’s offensive line play is that SU ranked 103rd in penalty yards per game. I could not find further info on offensive/defensive splits, but frequent holding calls certainly helped pad that total. I hope that increased talent and a full year with Fran’s system brings that number down significantly on both sides of the ball this coming year.

 

[wiseman3]

i just spot clipped this a bit. but it def seems this video was filmed long before today right?

Yeah, definitely was. Fran saying its Rickie's job to lose doesn't really mean anything. Its consistent with what he's been saying since Rickie was previously named the starter. Angeli could very well be in front

 

[Niastri]

Kyle is unmatched in that area even amongst NFL QB’s.

IIRC they did a detailed breakdown of all his QB skills, and he was elite in his ability to “spin it”.

Just to put numbers to your comment, this is from Google AI:

Kyle McCord, a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles as of the 2025 NFL season, has a high spin rate.
Here's a look at his spin rate compared to the NFL average:

Average Spin Rate 699 RPM
NFL Average: 592 RPM
Max Spin Rate 740 RPM
Elite NFL: 800 RPM

This indicates McCord's ability to throw a tight, efficient spiral. His spiral efficiency was also measured at 93% during a Shrine Bowl session, which would be considered in the 95+ percentile among NFL quarterbacks.